One Year Later

Today makes it exactly one year since I started my new job and still the question people ask more than any other is, “So how do you like the new job?”
Well, after spending a year working at the new job, I’m absolutely convinced I made the right move. There’s some “big corporation” stuff I’m far from enthusiastic about, but that seems to go with the territory. (After all, a small company has its own sort of “small company” stuff.) On the flip side, in the past year, I’ve only had to work one weekend, and only a few late evenings. That’s a huge improvement from the old job.
So, all in all, I like the new job just fine.

Squirrels

One possible definition of the word “optimist” is anyone who thinks a squirrel-proof bird-feeder will prevent squirrels from getting at the food.
One of today’s activities was to give the bird feeders the first fill-up of the year. It’s been about eight months since the last time there was anything in those feeders, so it’ll probably take a day or two before the birds realize they’re back in business.
I’m sure the birds will enjoy the food, but at about the same time the birds find the feeders, I expect the squirrels will find them as well. The last few years, I’ve probably done a lot more to feed them than the birds. Last year, I even wound up replacing one of the feeders after if broke open when the squirrels chewed through the cord that was holding it up.
So, here’s the feeders as they looked this afternoon. We’ll see how long it takes before the first squirrel arrives.
Squirrel Feeders

Dancing Fool

The main reason for this entry is so I don’t lose the link for the Washington Swing Dance Committee.
So far, it’s been a pleasant experience: Everyone I’ve met has been polite, everyone’s there to dance, and even when they decline, they’re nice about it. (e.g. “I’m sorry, I’m need to catch my breath. Maybe a little later?”)
So right off the bat, it’s better than any of the dances I went to in High School.
There’s even a few people gifted with the ability to put a novice at ease and teach him a new move or two.
I’ve been having fun so far!

The Christmas Spider?

Today’s mail included a Christmas-themed ad booklet from Hallmark. Paging through it, I was struck by the absurdity of one of their connections between the Christmas Season and licensed merchandise.
One of the featured cards has a picture of Spider-Man on the front. Curious about what Spidey has to do with Christmas, I read the pictured card-front:

Building to building,
he slings and swings,
from wall to wall,
he leaps and springs…
and do you know what Spider-Man brings?

Presents for all the good little boys and girls? No, although they both wear red suits, I don’t recall any stories about Santa being bitten by a radioactive spider. (Anyone up to the obvious challenge of writing such a story? Preferably one where Santa doesn’t die from the experience.)
Eggs and candy? No, Spidey doesn’t have the ears or the tail. Besides, that’s the wrong season.
According to the ad booklet, he’s bringing “Christmas Wishes” but the last I knew, Spidey’s alter-ego worked as a free-lance photographer. The second movie did have him delivering pizza, but I don’t think he’s ever worked for Western Union. (And besides, didn’t they get out of the telegram business?)
About the only things I can think of that Spider-Man might bring would be either a sense of safety because you know he’s protecting you, or else a nagging concern that he’s being chased by some variety of super-villain and maybe you’d better flee the area.
Does anyone else have any suggestions about what Spider-Man might bring?